The Southern Co-Operative is expected to make hundreds of thousands of pounds in savings from its energy bills after completing a roll-out of LED lighting across its entire property portfolio.
The intensive installation programme began in January and when finished at the end of this month, the project will see the energy efficient lighting solution installed at all 195 food stores and the company’s head office in Portsmouth.
Following completion of the 12-week install schedule, The Southern Co-operative is expecting to make savings of over £375,300 a year as a result of the upgrades.
Steve Tremlett, head of trading formats and project sponsor at The Southern Co-operative, said: “Over the four years since we standardised our use of LED lighting, the technology has improved considerably, in terms of output, energy efficiency and equipment costs.
“We felt the timing was now right to convert the whole retail business to LED, and as well as contributing towards our environmental goals.”
The project cost more than £2 million and included upgrades to all stores’ main lighting, sales areas, chiller cabinets and fascia signage. The company has already specified that all new stores are expected to be complete with LEDs.
Justin Jones, commercial development manager at The Southern Co-operative who oversaw the project, said: “As well as saving over 1,812kg of carbon a year, the new lighting feels fresher and more pleasant to shop and work in for our customers and colleagues.
“It has also reduced our maintenance costs, making further savings, all of which can be reinvested into the business.”
Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications for the company, added: “The Southern Co-operative has successfully achieved a 38% improvement in energy efficiency since 2010. The LED lighting roll out helps us deliver further energy and carbon savings and forms part of our long term commitment to being a responsible and sustainable business.”
A spokesperson for The Southern Co-operative told Clean Energy News there were currently no other plans for similar projects in the near future aside from “making our stores more sustainable as part of our three year plan”.
